Showers and thunderstorms will persist for the center of the nation on Saturday as a low pressure system continues sliding off the Rockies and into the Plains. Flow around this system will pull abundant moisture and energy in from the Gulf of Mexico, creating favorable conditions for shower and thunderstorm activity from the Central and Southern Plains through the Mid and Lower Mississippi River Valley. There is a slight chance that these storms will turn severe with strong winds, large hail, and periods of heavy rainfall. If severe storms develop, they will most likely be contained to the Central High Plains. However, flood advisories will remain in effect for parts of Missouri and the Mid-Mississippi River Valley. Ahead of this system, a weaker trough of low pressure and associated cold front that brought a few scattered showers to the Great Lakes and Midwest will slide southeastward, over the Ohio River Valley and into the Eastern states. Heavy rainfall and strong storms are not anticipated with this system.

In the West, a ridge of high pressure strengthens over the West Coast and builds northward, pushing moisture away from the west. Expect chances of showers and thunderstorms to diminish for the Four Corners, while rain in the Northern Rockies also tapers off.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday have ranged from a morning low of 24 degrees at Truckee-Tahoe, Calif. to a high of 104 degrees at Altus, Okla.